36437, Bombardier, Owen John BIGGS
Aged 23
|
Owen John BIGGS was born in Balsham (Linton Q1-1892 3B:504) son of John and Sarah BIGGS (née HALL). Baptised in Balsham on 3rd April 1892.
1901 census...Aged 9, he was at Farm House, High Street, Balsham with his father John [41] horsekeeper ; his mother Sarah [40] born Waterbeach; brother Robert G [11]; sisters Rebecca [6], Margaret [4] and Annie [2]. All except his mother were born in Balsham. 1911 census...Aged 19, horseman on farm, he was at Lower Farm, Balsham with his parents; sisters Annie and Grace [7]; brother Willie [9]. No pension card has been found His elder brother Robert was killed serving in France in the 19th Hussars in 1918 see here |
|
He enlisted in Bury St. Edmunds. Artillery units are difficult to locate on the battle field. Siege Artillery was the heavier calibre branch, and consequently usually a fair distance behind the lines. Not the sort of guns that would be moved quickly. The 59th Battery arrived in France on 5th March 1915. For the rest of 1915 they were part of 1st Army, around the Bethune area. One snag for the siege batteries was that not being easy to remove, once the enemy had located them, their own heavy artillery had a chance for counter barrage. Owen was the only man of his unit to die that day.
photo: Rodney Gibson click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
